Free Things To Do In Vienna

Vienna is a city of timeless beauty, rich culture, and vibrant history. Located in Austria, this ancient capital is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, Vienna has much to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you’re interested in the city’s churches, museums, or parks, Vienna offers plenty of free activities to explore. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best free things to do in Vienna, from the city’s most popular landmarks to its hidden gems.

History and Background

Vienna has been occupied since the time of the Roman Empire, and it was once the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. It was also the center of European culture and politics in the early 19th century. After World War II, Vienna became the capital of a divided Austria, with the eastern part occupied by the Soviets. In 1955, the city was declared a neutral zone, and it has remained so ever since.

Today, Vienna is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, with a population of more than 1.8 million people. It is home to numerous cultural landmarks, including the world-renowned Vienna Opera House and Schönbrunn Palace. The city is also known for its baroque architecture, lively cafés, and beautiful gardens. Visitors to Vienna will find a wide range of attractions, from its grand palaces to its many parks and public squares.

Popular Attractions

One of Vienna’s most iconic landmarks is the Stephansdom (St. Stephen’s Cathedral), which dates back to the 12th century. This magnificent Gothic structure is one of Vienna’s most recognizable sights and its towering spire is a symbol of the city. The Stephansdom is also home to several artworks and is open to visitors for free.

The Hofburg Palace is another must-see for any visitor to Vienna. This complex of palaces and gardens was once home to the Habsburg dynasty and is now a museum showcasing art and artifacts from the imperial family. Visitors can explore the palace for free, although there may be a fee for special exhibitions.

The Prater amusement park is a favorite destination for both locals and tourists alike. This sprawling park is home to more than 250 attractions, including traditional fairground rides, roller coasters, and a Ferris wheel. The Prater is open year-round and offers free admission.

The Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum) is another highlight of Vienna’s cultural landscape. This museum showcases some of the world’s greatest works of art, ranging from ancient Egyptian sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces. The museum also houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the Habsburg dynasty and is free to visit with an Austrian library cardholder’s ticket.

Hidden Gems

For visitors looking for something a little off the beaten path, Vienna has plenty of hidden gems to explore. The Hundertwasserhaus is a unique apartment complex designed by celebrated Austrian architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Featuring bright colors and curved lines, this building is unlike any other in Vienna and it offers free admission to visitors.

The Jewish Museum is another popular destination in Vienna. Located in the former Imperial Palace, this museum tells the story of Jewish life in Vienna through an array of artifacts, artworks, photographs, and documents. Admission to this museum is free on Saturdays.

The Volksgarten (People’s Garden) is a beautiful public park in Vienna that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can stroll through this picturesque park or take a break at one of its many benches. The Volksgarten also features a rose garden and an aviary, both of which can be explored for free.

The Burggarten (Castle Garden) is another popular park located near the Hofburg Palace. This lovely garden features a variety of plants and trees as well as a small lake where visitors can take boat rides for free.

Tours

The Viator walking tour is a great way to explore Vienna’s most iconic sights while learning more about its rich history and culture. The tour starts at the Stephansdom and takes visitors on a journey through some of the city’s most famous landmarks, including Stadtpark (City Park), Hofburg Palace, Schönbrunn Palace, and Prater Park. Along the way, knowledgeable guides will provide insights into Vienna’s past while pointing out interesting architectural details along the way. The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and is free to join with your Viator ticket.Book a Viator walking tour here.

The GetYourGuide boat tour of Vienna provides visitors with an opportunity to explore some of Vienna’s most famous attractions from a unique perspective. This relaxed tour takes visitors along the Danube Canal for 2 hours while providing excellent views of landmarks such as Schönbrunn Palace and Prater Park. Visitors will also get to learn about Vienna’s history from knowledgeable guides as they make their way through some of the city’s most picturesque areas. The tour is free to join with your GetYourGuide ticket.Book a GetYourGuide boat tour here.

Finally, the Viator food tour provides an opportunity to sample some of Vienna’s best cuisine while exploring some of its most iconic sights. On this 2-hour tour, visitors will get to sample traditional Viennese dishes while visiting landmarks such as Stadtpark (City Park) and Prater Park. The tour also provides insight into Vienna’s culture and history from knowledgeable guides along the way. The tour is free to join with your Viator ticket.Book a Viator food tour here.

Conclusion

Vienna is a city full of history and beauty that every visitor should experience for themselves. From iconic landmarks such as St. Stephen’s Cathedral to hidden gems like Hundertwasserhaus and Jewish Museum, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in this vibrant city without spending a penny. Whether you’re interested in exploring Vienna’s parks or discovering its culinary delights, there are plenty of free things to do in this ancient city that will leave you with lasting memories of your trip.